Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, who is also MP for Tampines GRC, has publicly stated that he disagrees with Calvin Cheng’s views on the Israel-Palestine conflict amid ongoing public backlash over the former Nominated Member of Parliament’s 13 March Facebook post.
In a statement published on 3 April 2025, Masagos clarified his stance on the issue and addressed Cheng’s recent involvement in fundraising efforts linked to the Tampines SG60 Cares initiative.
“I disagree with Calvin Cheng’s views about the Israel-Palestine conflict,” Masagos wrote.
He reiterated his position that the killing of innocent civilians must stop, and highlighted the unity shown by Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds in calling for peace.
Masagos’ comments followed days of public criticism directed at Cheng, who announced on 30 March that he had helped raise close to S$200,000 from a group of wealthy new citizens to support Tampines SG60 Cares, a grassroots-led initiative aimed at assisting low-income residents.
Cheng, in his announcement, said the fundraising was meant to build multiracial and multireligious harmony, and would coincide with Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
An email shared by Cheng in the same post appears to confirm that he was officially invited to a donor appreciation ceremony at Our Tampines Hub, scheduled for 20 April 2025.
The message, sent on behalf of Minister Masagos Zulkifli and Mayor Desmond Choo, thanked Cheng for his “kind link-up of donors towards SG60 Tampines Cares” and invited him to attend a presentation of appreciation during the venue’s re-opening.
However, the move was widely rejected by members of the Malay-Muslim community, who viewed it as a superficial attempt to make amends for his earlier remarks.
Cheng’s 13 March post, in which he sarcastically offered to sponsor activists to Gaza on the condition that they not return to Singapore, drew condemnation from various quarters.
Former opposition politician Jufrie Mahmood filed a police report, alleging the comments were Islamophobic and a threat to public harmony.
Cheng has denied the accusations and insisted his comments were targeted at disruptive behaviour by activists, not Muslims or Palestinians as a group. He has also sent legal letters to several individuals and platforms over what he claims are defamatory statements.
In the same 3 April post, Masagos addressed the funding issue directly. While he acknowledged Cheng’s contribution in his personal capacity, he stated that the initiative would proceed independently of Cheng’s involvement.
“While I appreciate his efforts to get support and donations to help Tampines residents, Calvin has said that it might be better if he redirects the funds for other causes. I appreciate his gesture,” Masagos wrote.
He added that the Tampines SG60 Cares programme would continue with other donors and reaffirmed the grassroots organisations’ commitment to the community.
Masagos’ post came shortly after Cheng announced that the donations would be redirected to SGSHARE, a national initiative led by the Community Chest under the SG60 banner. Cheng maintained that his intention was to demonstrate how “constructive and beneficial activism” could be practised.
Despite the clarification, Masagos’ statement prompted a mixed response online.
While some Facebook users welcomed his remarks and praised his reaffirmation of Singapore’s stance against violence in Gaza, others expressed disappointment that he had not gone further in condemning Cheng.
Several users said that a mere disagreement was inadequate, with calls for stronger condemnation, public censure, or legal action.
One commenter remarked that “disagreeing falls far short of what many Muslims expect from a Minister for Muslim Affairs.”
Another added, “This is not just about donations; this is about words that wound a whole community.”
A number of users also questioned the timing of the statement, noting that it came 21 days after Cheng’s original post on 13 March.
Comments such as “took you a while, sir” and jokes about “missing the train” or needing “technical help to post” reflected perceptions that the minister’s response was delayed and reactive.
Some urged Masagos to address perceived double standards in how pro-Palestinian expressions are treated in Singapore, while others questioned why stronger action had not been taken under existing legislation against hate speech or religious insult.
However, other commenters defended the minister’s approach, describing it as “measured” and “unifying.” A number of users appreciated his reaffirmation of national values, with one noting, “Thank you for showing leadership and not stoking division.”
Others expressed hope that the SG60 Cares initiative would move forward without distraction, and that the focus would return to supporting residents in need.
The online debate underscores the deep sensitivities surrounding the issue and the extent to which Cheng’s remarks have polarised public opinion, especially among the Malay-Muslim community.
Masagos’ intervention marks the most direct public rebuke from a senior Malay-Muslim leader in government and adds to the widening distance between Cheng and mainstream political and community figures.
As of publication, other People’s Action Party Members of Parliament have also distanced themselves from the post, while Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam stated on 2 April that he had “very different views from Mr Cheng” on the Israel-Palestine issue.
The fallout continues ahead of the anticipated General Election, expected by May, in which issues of race, religion, and political expression have come under renewed scrutiny.
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